This film can definitely leave the viewer with mixed feelings. It was interesting listening to all the interviews with the Tokyo police, and watching how they handled things. Yet you are left wondering if the case was only getting so much attention because of all the pressures from the victim's father, England and the foreign press. Would a Japanese woman's disappearance have gotten so much attention? Obviously not.
Of course, the fact Lucie Blackman was working as a hostess played a part in the original lack of interest from the Tokyo police. The documentary really plays down Ms. Blackman's job, too, making it seem no different than being a waitress or something. It was quite different. Young women flirt and entertain men in the clubs, and can go out with them on paid dinners. There is supposed to be no sex involved, but it's naive to think that never happened and more money was paid.
Lucie Blackman had a stewardess job, but apparently wanted to make more money to pay off debts--a fact the documentary doesn't bring up. Instead, she is presented as a young woman wanting to see the world and experience the fun life in Japan. The Tokyo police apparently ignored reports of crimes from women who worked her job.
Fortunately for all the hostesses in Tokyo, it was the pressured case on Ms. Blackman's disappearance that led to the identity of a horrid wealthy rapist who may have victimized up to 400 women. (The police had gotten complaints about him in the past from some of those victimized and nothing was done.) Unfortunately, this film failed to explain in detail how the rapist was convicted of crimes against other women, but originally found not guilty of any crimes against Lucie Blackman, even though her body was the only one ever found!
Of course, the fact Lucie Blackman was working as a hostess played a part in the original lack of interest from the Tokyo police. The documentary really plays down Ms. Blackman's job, too, making it seem no different than being a waitress or something. It was quite different. Young women flirt and entertain men in the clubs, and can go out with them on paid dinners. There is supposed to be no sex involved, but it's naive to think that never happened and more money was paid.
Lucie Blackman had a stewardess job, but apparently wanted to make more money to pay off debts--a fact the documentary doesn't bring up. Instead, she is presented as a young woman wanting to see the world and experience the fun life in Japan. The Tokyo police apparently ignored reports of crimes from women who worked her job.
Fortunately for all the hostesses in Tokyo, it was the pressured case on Ms. Blackman's disappearance that led to the identity of a horrid wealthy rapist who may have victimized up to 400 women. (The police had gotten complaints about him in the past from some of those victimized and nothing was done.) Unfortunately, this film failed to explain in detail how the rapist was convicted of crimes against other women, but originally found not guilty of any crimes against Lucie Blackman, even though her body was the only one ever found!